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Everything About Arthritis

March 16th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

One in three adult Americans suffer from some form of arthritis and the disease affects about twice as many women as men.Arthritic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which are autoimmune diseases; septic arthritis, caused by joint infection; and the more common osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. Arthritis can be caused from strains and injuries caused by repetitive motion, sports, overexertion, and falls. Unlike the autoimmune diseases, osteoarthritis largely affects older people and results from the degeneration of joint cartilage. Other forms are discussed below.

Arthritic joints can be sensitive to weather changes. The increased sensitivity is thought to be caused by the affected joints developing extra nerve endings in an attempt to protect the joint from further damage. Signs and symptoms All arthritides feature pain, which is generally worse in the morning and on initiating movement, and resolves in the course of time. In elderly people and children, the pain may not be the main feature, and the patient simply moves less (elderly) or refuse to use the affected limb (children).

When faced with joint pain, a doctor will generally ask about several other medical symptoms (such as fever, skin symptoms, breathlessness, Raynaud's phenomenon) that may narrow down the differential diagnosis to a few items, for which testing can be done. Arthritis and fever together are pointers towards septic arthritis (see below). This is a medical emergency, and requires urgent referral to a rheumatologist.

Blood tests and X-rays of the affected joints are often performed to make the diagnosis. X-rays can show erosions or bone appositions. Screening blood tests: full blood count, electrolytes, renal function, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphate, protein electrophoresis, C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Specific tests are the rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF), extractable nuclear antigen and specific

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The Benefits of Aloe in Pain Relief for Arthritis

March 15th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

Although arthritis won't really kill you, it can literally cripple you. Arthritis causes so much restriction and curtails even simple activities such as bathing, walking or dressing. Arthritis can be rather debilitating because of extreme pain on the joints And worse, it's a chronic disease.

Arthritis affects many thousands of people every year and statistics show that one in every three adults over 40 suffer or will suffer from arthritis as they age. Arthritis has no specified age or gender parameter since arthritis can develop even in infants, but most sufferers begin to experience symptoms when they near their fifties, with more than 50% occurring before the age of 65. The sad thing about arthritis is that it can be debilitating both to the body and to one's finances. It is estimated that arthritis can cost a single person a whopping USD 150,000 in medical or support treatment and lost wages during his or her lifetime.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms that afflict the greater majority. Osteoarthritis is a condition that results from normal wear and tear of the knees, hips, or ankles since they bear much of the weight in the body. It also affects the shoulders and the highly mobile joints of the cervical and lumbar spine. Like grease on joints and gears in a mechanical structure, synovial fluid maintains lubrication and ease of movement within our joints. It is also responsible for the overall health of the cartilage surrounding the bone interface. Synovial fluid inevitably shrinks with age and cartilage undergoes wear and tear with heavy use, eventually causing the bones to grind against each other. This grinding action is what causes arthritis pain and the difficulty in movements.

Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand is a condition brought about by the assault of anti-bodies on the synovial lining of the joints. These anti-bodies are produced by the body's immune system but genetics, certain infections or environmental factors can trigger a misdirected immune system and cause destruction of the synovial membrane and the cartilage. Inflammatory conditions such as swelling, stiffness and pain manifest as a result of this. Rheumatoid Arthritis may arise at any age, and this type of immunologically induced arthritis can be part of other systemic illnesses such as Lupus and Scleroderma.

Symptoms of arthritis are not permanent - the disease is said to be active when inflammation is present and that period is known as a “flare”. As the symptoms subside, it is said that the disease is “in remission”. Remission can be accomplished through treatment or may occur spontaneously and may last for months or even years.

Arthritis has long been successfully treated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Typically, cortisone injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to treat symptoms. These types of treatment bring pain relief, unfortunately they don't repair the damaged tissues - hence relief is said to be merely symptomatic.

Undesirable side effects may also arise with constant use of NSAIDs and steroids. Most prominent of these are osteoporosis and some thinning of the skin. NSAIDs are also observed to increase the incidence of stomach ulcers.

No cure for arthritis has been discovered yet, but there is growing evidence that tissue repair and replacement can delay disease progression. In fact, this has been the focus of controversial stem cell replacement studies over the years. Whether or not stem cell replacement will eventually emerge as the cure for arthritis, it is a welcome relief to know that natural substances can work at relieving the discomforts of arthritis pain and possibly slow the progression of the disease - without the side effects.

One of the best known natural substances for its anti-inflammatory properties is Aloe Vera. Aloe generally provides analgesic relief but it has also been observed to stimulate the immune system and speed up cell growth and replacement. Aloe Vera contains basic sugars which are also found in every cell of the body - it is rich in nutrients that include vitamins E, C, and the B series, as well as iron, manganese, calcium and zinc. Essential amino and fatty acids are also found in Aloe Vera.

Paramount to its nutritional benefits is the ability of Aloe Vera to assist the body in repairing damaged tissue by regenerating cells. A breakthrough formulation combines aloe with glucosamine and chondroitin, two joint supplements that are building blocks of cartilage found within joints. Glucosamine increases fluid maintenance in the cartilage, while chondroitin, an ingredient of cartilage tissue, takes charge of drawing in fluids and nutrients. As the body ages, its capacity to produce these natural elements of healthy cartilage is diminished, thus leading to painful joint conditions. Naturally occurring substances combined with Aloe Vera may work best for arthritis pain relief, tissue repair and cell regeneration without the nasty side effects!

Learn more about breakthrough aloe formulations that relieve arthritis symptoms and help to rebuild healthy cells in your joints at Forever Freedom.

Juvenile Arthritis - How Does it Differ From Adult Arthritis?

March 15th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

Juvenile chronic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and childhood arthritis are all terms that are used to describe juvenile arthritis. Moreover, based on symptoms and joints affected there are five additional subsets. Juvenile arthritis at one time was known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The term rheumatoid being involved caused some confusion because many thought this condition was in relation to rheumatoid arthritis, which impacts adults. Therefore, the term rheumatoid was taken out.

Different from Adult Arthritis

When most people think of arthritis, they are under the impression that it affects the eldery only. However, there are numerous instances of juvenile arthritis that affect babies and young children. As a matter of fact, approximately 300,000 children today under the age of sixteen are victims of juvenile arthritis.

Despite the prevalance of this condition, the exact cause is still unknown. What is known is that adult arthritis and juvenile arthritis have two major differences. Children affected by arthritis can outgrow the condition as they grow older, and it is harder to diagnose juvenile arthritis than is the case with adult arthritis. Second, it is easier to diagnose adult arthritis than juvenile arthritis.

Juvenile chronic arthritis can be characterized as a condition that causes inflammation of the joints, and is diagnosed to children under the age of sixteen. The problems the are experienced by adults can certainly affect children as well.

As mentioned, the exact cause is not exactly known of juvenile arthritis but one theory is that it is an autoimmune disease. Some of the symptoms include, but are not limited to, persistent inflammation of the joints, pain, and stiffness that gets worse in the morning or after sleeping. The pain felt can limit the patient’s range of movement in their affected joints, though normally children do not complain about pain.

Diagnoses can prove to be difficult since there is no test that will outright tell one that he or she has juvenile arthritis. Therefore, thorough examination must be done in regards to stiffness of the joints when waking up and range of motion. Another sign is if the child shows resistance toward using a certain limb. The person best suited to treat juvenile arthritis is a pediatrician, family doctor. or any other primary care medical professional.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a very common form of arthritis that is persistent and which affects children. Idiopathic is a term that refers to a condition that does not have a known cause, while juvenile of course refers to anyone who has not reached sixteen years old. Moreover, this form of arthritis is much more different than the kind that adults are diagnosed with.

See Also: A look at systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Dealing With Osteoarthritis

March 12th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

Does lifting a book or a bag cause pain in your hand or shoulder? Does bending down to pick up a brown boot on the floor prove to be very difficult? If yes, then it’s possible that you already have osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is just one form of arthritis. And it’s the most common too. It goes by other names as well, including: degenerative arthritis, OA, wear-and-tear arthritis and osteoarthrosis. This disease can affect any joint in your body. However, it usually affects the knees, hips, back and hands.

This joint disease can be caused by a number of things. It can be because of obesity, trauma, heredity and age. It may also be due to repeated use of a body part. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage - a connective tissue functioning as the joint’s protective pads - becomes worn out. Pain and swelling is experienced in the affected areas. Because of this, the normal range of motion may become limited.

As soon as you suspect you’re suffering from it, it’s important that you immediately see your doctor. A physical examination should reveal whether or not you’re afflicted with the disease. Based on the findings, a treatment mode will have to be given, to help deal with the signs and symptoms.

It’s not unlikely for medications to be prescribed. Analgesic has to be taken for pain. While for swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are usually given. For severe cases, there are also medications administered through injection.

As mentioned earlier, obesity can be a causative factor. If such is your case, then it’s important for you to shed off unnecessary pounds. Adapting a particular diet recommended by your doctor will help you lose weight, thus relieving excessive pressure on your joints. Such diet will also exclude foods that may worsen the condition.

You may also be referred to a physical therapist. A physical therapist will provide you with exercises which you can use to your advantage. They will help you improve your normal range of motion. Also, they will assist in strengthening your muscles and increasing your flexibility.

Supplements, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets, will help in slowing down the deterioration of cartilage. Glucosamine is naturally produced by the body. But its production tends to slow down with age. Other supplements may include ingredients such as chrondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

If your osteoarthritis is mild, the above remedies might help you lead a normal life once more. In no time, you’ll be back doing your usual activities, like playing your ibanez acoustic electric guitar. However, for severe cases, undergoing surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain or damage.

Help for Rheumatoid arthritis Sufferers in Warm Tubs

February 25th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis or have had to watch somebody you know and love suffer with it you will be pleased to understand the Osteo-arthritis Foundation highly recommends the healing properties of hot tub for its afflicted.  People with osteoarthritis use a really difficult time moving and by being submerged in comfortable water, they are alleviated of some of the discomfort and are even in a position to get the unimaginable carried out; they’re in a position to physical exercise with small discomfort.

As always, with any new action, if you’re an arthritis sufferer and would like to start enjoying the hot tub, please first check with a physician prior to you start. 

When your doctor has said its okay for you personally to begin exercising in the hot tub, start off by allowing your body to warm up for many minutes prior to starting any workouts.  This is one of individuals miracle utilizes of the hot tub for individuals with osteoarthritis because not just will they be capable of get some exercising in, they’ll be able to gain muscle by performing so. 

It is very important to consider points gradually when doing exercises in a warm tub for many factors; 1 is because you can strain muscles should you are not properly warmed up prior to starting, two is the truth that it is possible to over exert yourself in the hot tub by performing too much or performing it for as well lengthy to where you turn out to be lightheaded and dizzy.  Getting to that place won’t help any doing exercises, and it may be detrimental for your over-all wellness.  The third reason to take things slowly happens after you have exercised, maintain in thoughts that now that the muscles have been stretched and worked, it is important to keep them comfortable for many minutes prior to obtaining out from the warm tub to permit your muscle groups to unwind before hitting the cooler air. 

For that individual who suffers with osteo-arthritis, the mere truth that they’re able to move with less distress in a warm tub or even a swimming pool is absolutely nothing shy of miraculous.  Individuals with osteo-arthritis are in continual pain and a significant of it has to complete with the easy fact that there’s a gravitational pull towards the earth we live on and that’s greatly alleviated if they’re submerged in water.  Warm water is an additional advantage because it’ll also trigger the blood vessels to dilate, that will permit for more blood and oxygen to flow to muscles and skin to not mention the heart.

But it is an activity that if not adopted and practiced correctly could bring on more problems than were there before.  So if you are thinking about getting some physical exercise in a hot tub where your arthritis is going to be lessened, don’t forget to talk for your doctor very first and follow the guidelines which have been presented so that you can consider the best care of you.  A small warm water exercising will go a lengthy way on the road to much better wellness.

How To Deal With Arthritis In The Leg

February 22nd, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

One of the biggest threats to a person’s health, cancer can strike at any time and anyone; and the same is the case with arthritis though in this case it is generally considered an old age disease. Regardless of which of these two conditions is affecting you the best defense is to identify the symptoms early and then start suitable and early treatments.

In the case of a cancer problem one of the best foods that can help in inhibiting the disease, Agaricus Brazil mushroom has been found to be very effective. No less a personality than former US President Ronald Reagan when battling against cancer found that these mushrooms provided him with the best defense against his cancerous condition.

If you are suffering from any kind of arthritis you will probably come across numerous arthritis remedies that can help ease the suffering. However, if you are not careful about picking only tried and tested remedies you could very well find that your efforts will go in vain because if you make use of untested remedies you won’t get any suitable results and all your time money and effort will be wasted.

However, for a person that has been diagnosed with leg arthritis there is a strong case for having their blood tested in order to find out if certain gene markers are present in the blood. The pain from this form of arthritis can often be unnerving which is why it pays to find out how you can lessen the pain. One option that is worth trying out is taking of anti-inflammatory medicines that with a few specific exercises can provide a lot of relief.

Even applying ice can help to reduce the soreness as well as bring down the inflammation. Of course, before trying anything it is necessary that you consult with a health professional that should diagnose the condition and then recommend suitable exercise routines that will help provide you with relief.

Doctors will of course need to get some answers from you including to questions such as the duration for which you have been suffering from this condition and also whether the pain occurs on a constant basis or is it more intermittent. After you answer these questions the doctor will make an assessment and diagnose your condition and then recommend the best treatment.

You will also need to say whether you feel any stiffness after sitting for long periods of time. After the doctor gets answers to these questions they can then assess the severity of your condition and then draw conclusions about your problem and also identify suitable treatment options.

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